Sodium Reduction in Canned Beans After Draining, Rinsing

Health and culinary professionals and consumers increasingly seek practical ways to reduce sodium intake, as advised in science-based dietary guidance. In response, this study determined whether draining and rinsing significantly reduces sodium in canned beans. References in dietary guidance and popular literature support this practice; only limited, dated scientific data substantiate this advice, conducted only on past product formulations. Sodium per label-size serving was measured for multiple brands of five canned bean varieties: in packing liquid; drained of packing liquid; and drained of packing liquid and then rinsed. Both draining and draining followed by rinsing significantly reduce sodium in canned beans.